Never Take Friendship Personal is the second album by the alternative rock band Anberlin, released on February 1, 2005 on Tooth & Nail Records.[1] This album was chosen as one of Amazon.com's Top 100 Editor's Picks of 2005.[citation needed] Its singles were "A Day Late" and "Paperthin Hymn" and music videos have been made of each. "(The Symphony of) Blasé" is sometimes referred to as "Amsterdam". The album's name is inspired by when the band chose to remove guitarist Joey Bruce.

The song "Dance, Dance Christa Päffgen" was inspired by multi-talented artist Nico, whose given name was Christa Päffgen. The song references her struggle with drugs and unrelated death.

Never Take Friendship Personal garnered exceedingly positive reception from Music critics. Johan Wippsson of Melodic rated the album four stars, remarking how this "is a fantastic album and a great follow up, even better than their great debut." At Christianity Today, Andy Argyrakis rated the album four stars, highlighting how the album is "for those seeking an artfully made and engagingly played project, just not ideal for those looking for faith based edification" on which the music has "sophisticated alternative sonics, ample hooks and sweeping melodies."[4] Rick Anderson of Allmusic rated the album four stars, affirming that it is "Very highly recommended overall."[1] At Cross Rhythms, Tony Cummings rated the album eight squares out of ten, proclaiming that "Seldom has art rock worn such an accessible sheen."[5] Scott Weber of AbsolutePunk rated the album an eighty-eight-percent, stating that the band has the "ability to construct such beautiful songs with euphoric vocals."[2] At Jesus Freak Hideout, John DiBiase rated the album four stars, calling it a "solid sophomore effort from these experts of catchy, hooky alternative rock."[6]Punknews.org's Anchors rated the album four stars, noting the album as "one hell of a guilty pleasure."[8] At CCM Magazine, Louis R. Carlozo graded the album a B-, cautioning that "while its individual songs (and sing-along hooks) often satisfy, fails to transcend a formulaic plateau."[3]